files/journal/2022-09-03_18-51-40-000000_599.png

Research Journal of Medical Sciences

ISSN: Online 1993-6095
ISSN: Print 1815-9346
About US
Editors
Issues
Pages
Indexed in
163
Views
20
Downloads

Awareness and Knowledge about Glaucoma among Patients Attending Ophthalmology OPD in A Tertiary Care Hospital

R. Jeyanthi, S.A. Arsha Ressal, Biju Gopal, Hannah Shiny, Vaduva Krishnan, Aalathi , Rinita and S. Veeralakshmanan
Page: 212-217 | Received 20 Apr 2024, Published online: 13 Jun 2024

Download Citation
https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.7.212.217

Full Text Reference XML File PDF File

Abstract

Glaucoma is a global public health problem and it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Diagnosis is often made at the late stage of the condition when much damage to the eye has already occurred. The management of glaucoma involves controlling the disease process to minimize the damage to the optic nerve, an essential part of which is early diagnosis and early treatment. The symptoms develop so slowly that unless the patient is aware and has knowledge about the disease, its early diagnosis is very difficult. Heightened public awareness about glaucoma may increase the chance of identifying undetected cases early. To evaluate the level of awareness and knowledge about glaucoma among patients attending ophthalmology OPD in a tertiary care hospital. This was a cross‐sectional study conducted for 3 months among patients aged 18 years and above. A total of 150 patients were randomly selected from the ophthalmology OPD of Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences. A questionnaire was given to each patient and the responses were noted. Based on the responses given by the patients for each question, scores were given a conclusion was drawn. Statistical analysis was done by applying the chi‐square test and Fisher exact probability test using SPSS Statistics version 20. The mean age of the subjects was 52.78±9.98years with the age ranged from 35 to 72 years. The most common age group was 41 to 50 years in 54(36%). Among the subjects, 83 (55.33%) were males and 67 (44.67%) were females. Out of 150 subjects, only 37 (24.67%) subjects had heard of glaucoma (awareness = 24.67%). Among the subjects, 12(8%) had poor knowledge, 8(5.33%) had fair knowledge remaining 17(11.33%) had good knowledge. On asking about the source of information to the patient who were aware about glaucoma, majority 25(67.57%) gained knowledge from doctors and health personnel. The awareness was significantly related to the educational status, diabetics subjects with family history of glaucoma. (p<0.05). Awareness and knowledge of glaucoma were low. Health education programs should be activated at all levels of health and eye care services to increase knowledge about glaucoma and prevent the irreversible loss of vision.

How to cite this article:

R. Jeyanthi, S.A. Arsha Ressal, Biju Gopal, Hannah Shiny, Vaduva Krishnan, Aalathi , Rinita and S. Veeralakshmanan. Awareness and Knowledge about Glaucoma among Patients Attending Ophthalmology OPD in A Tertiary Care Hospital.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.7.212.217
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.7.212.217